The Awards recognize building, design and construction projects that seek to maintain the character of historic places or rehabilitate them for contemporary uses. Commercial, residential and civic projects are eligible. Projects may involve buildings, landscapes, or any element of the built environment.

There are also categories for long-term stewardship of historic places and preservation advocacy, and in 2009 we introduced a new category the Future Landmark Award for Distinctive New Contemporary Design.

Past winners have included remodeling and rehabilitation projects, additions to historic buildings, compatible new construction on the site of a historic property, long-time advocates of the conservation of cultural resources in Madison, and projects in other nearby communities.